Report | Charlton Athletic U18s 5 Swansea City U18s 0

Swansea City Under-18s fell to defeat against reigning Professional Development League champions Charlton Athletic in their first game of 2023 at the Addicks Training Ground.

Two late goals from the home side put the seal on the victory, after they had been two goals to the good at half-time.

Ryan Huke, Patrick Casey (2) and Kai Enstin were on the scoresheet for the hosts, with the visitors also conceding an own goal. 

A young side travelled to south-east London with Billy Clarke, Thomas Searle, Ramon Rees-Siso and Harlan Perry stepping up from under-15 level to be involved for the first time in professional development phase.

Under-16 players Brogan Popham and Thomas Woodward also made their first starts for the under-18s.

As early as the first minute, Zane Myers got in behind the home defence, and Swansea kept coming with a prolonged spell in the Addicks’ half. Aimar Govea delivered a threatening ball into the area, but it had too much on it to find a fellow Swansea man.  

Woodward then sent Geoff Bony through one-on-one, but the Charlton stopper, Henry Molyneux was quick to intercept. 

However, the hosts eventually began to settle, with Huke going close  as he ruffled the side-netting.

Swansea keeper Kit Margetson was soon called into action, producing a brilliant save as he reacted sharply to deny Henry Rylah’s powerful strike. 

From then on, the south London outfit began to threaten on a regular basis and were rewarded with the opening goal. Casey was in position to tap in from the left side of the area. 

Just three minutes later  - on the half-hour - Charlton doubled their lead through Huke who found the net with a low-driven shot from distance and the hosts retained the two-goal lead at the break.  

The home side picked up where they left off after the break, Margetson twice denying Charlton with fine saves.  

However, the Addicks did not waste their next chance in the Swans’ territory as Charlton forward Enstin curled a strike into the top corner from the edge of the area.

The setback sparked a promising spell for the Swans. Rohan Davies almost capitalised on a Molyneux mistake in the Addicks’ box, with Arthur Parker unable to convert the follow-up.

Searle, Rees-Siso, Perry and  Clarke were given their opportunity from the bench.

But the game was finished off by an own goal and a tap-in from Casey for the home side from close range completed a handsome win for Charlton.

Swansea City Under-18s: Kit Margetson, Thomas Woodward (Ramon Rees-Siso 76'), Zane Myers, Arthur Parker, Jada Mawongo, Brogan Popham, Yori Griffith (Thomas Searle 76'), Jacob Cook, Geoff Bony (captain), Rohan Davies, Aimar Govea. 

Unused subs: Harvey Rees.

Charlton Athletic Under-18s: Henry Molyneux, Oliver Hobden, Toby Bower, Harvey Kedwell (Harmony Okwumo 61’), Keenan Gough, Nathan Asiimwe (Mason Hunter 75'), Henry Rylah, Ralfi Root (David Danso 75), Patrick Casey, Ryan Huke (Brook Myers 61’), Kai Enstin. 

Unused subs: Harmony Okwumo, Jude Sadler.